IMAGINE it is 2042 – climate change threatens the future of the planet while an alien life-form seeks salvation on the edges of the universe.

Southport artist Malcolm Fryer has not only imagined this strange and often bleak world, but has captured it in charcoal, crayons and chalks.

For six months, he toiled at his Hollybrook Road home to illustrate the science-fiction epic Bugz: contact, which is the debut novel by his friend and patron David Jackson.

And despite a career in art that began in the late 1950s, Malcolm told the Visiter he approached his first venture into science fiction-themed work with trepidation.

“I was terrified when I was give the commission as I thought I would never achieve it,” he said.

“It was quite slow process. It became a way of life for six months.”

Malcolm described the resulting monochrome drawings as the creation of “another world”, adding: “I have tried to push the boundaries.”

There are high hopes for Bugz: contact.

It has already secured the front-cover of ‘Bookseller’, the publishing industry bible, and will be stocked in 250 Waterstone’s stores.

“We are amazed at the reception. David has applied for film rights, he believes in it that much,” said Malcolm, who turned 70 last year.

Malcolm is famed for his evocative sea and skyscapes and Turner-influenced landscapes, and used to be a drinking partner of Sir Peter Blake, the artist behind the Beatles’ ‘Sergeant Pepper’ album cover.

Malcolm’s friendship with David began around five years ago after the artist started exhibiting at a new gallery in Hertfordshire and noticed that a lot of his work was being bought by one collector, which turned out to be David.

“He was a real patron in the old-fashioned sense,” said Malcolm.

It was after meeting David that the book ‘Evocations’ was published about Malcolm’s life and work.

That was dedicated to Malcolm’s wife, Sally, who died almost five years ago.

He lives with his daughter Katie, a 22-year-old qualified teacher.

David encouraged his illustrator to project his artistic vision into a futuristic setting, and Malcolm also acknowledged that the Southport-based creators of comic hero Dan Dare may have provided some influence.

Of the Eagle comic, he said: “It is something I remember.

“As a child I couldn’t stand American comics, I thought they were vulgar and awful, whilst the Eagle was part of my life.”

Bugz: contact is subtitled Book Zero and David has plans for it be the first volume of a trilogy.

Describing the novel – which is aimed at readers aged around 14 upwards – as “a great read”, Malcolm said he would “love to” illustrate future volumes.

Previewing the plot, Malcolm made clear that all is not well in 2042 – and rebellion is brewing.

“There are millions of bugs who do as they are told but there are one or two who stir things up a bit,” he said.

l Bugz: contact is launched on Monday.

Malcolm and David will be signing copies at Waterstone’s on Lord Street on Saturday, September 13.